Carroll has missed the last four games with a groin problem but is now fit again, much to the surprise of caretaker manager Chris Hughton.

"In all honesty we thought the game would be too soon for him, but he has had two good sessions and is in the squad," he told the club's official website.

Meanwhile, Shola Ameobi is still recovering from his injured foot and will play no part and Alan Smith, who was sent off in the closing stages of Sunday's 1-0 win at Cardiff, must serve a one-match ban.

Nicky Butt will be pushing for a start after he could only make the bench against the Bluebirds following a dislocated thumb, while Peter Lovenkrands will also hope for a starting berth after featuring from the bench in recent weeks.